Man City struggle as Liverpool defence delivers masterclass | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Victory at the Etihad: Tactical Masterclass and Title Hopes Intensify

Liverpool’s trip to Manchester City was more than just another game—it was a defining moment in their season. On The Gags Tandon Show from Anfield Index, Gags Tandon and Marco Lopez dissected the match, giving their reaction to Liverpool’s commanding performance and what it means for the title race. The overwhelming sentiment? This was a masterclass from Arne Slot and a statement win that could define Liverpool’s season.

Perfect Weekend for Liverpool

Marco Lopez set the tone from the start: “This was a perfect weekend for Liverpool, let’s be honest. Arsenal messed up… and it’s Liverpool’s league to lose.” The combination of Liverpool’s win and Arsenal’s misstep strengthened the Reds’ grip on the title race. Despite City being without key players, Marco dismissed excuses: “I don’t care. It’s still City, it’s still the Etihad. This is a very, very, very important win.”

The fans felt it too. Gags noted the travelling Kop’s belief: “When the travelling Kop sing it, they feel it, they know it… ‘Now you’re going to believe us’—it got me, mate.”

Defensive Brilliance and Midfield Control

The defensive performance was a standout. Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk were “absolutely imperious”, according to Marco, who compared their dominance to past frustrations: “You know those games where we cross the ball in all the time, and the opposition defenders head everything out? That was us today.”

Photo IMAGO

The midfield also received high praise, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai controlling the tempo. “There were a lot of moments where the midfielders were getting into positions to shield the defence,” Marco explained. “Big ups to Mac Allister, big ups to Gravenberch.”

Photo: IMAGO

Tactically, Slot was spot-on. “Within the first five minutes, Slot figured out what they were trying to do and just nullified it,” Gags highlighted. City’s midfield rotations were quickly countered, leading to a game where Guardiola’s side “had no other plan.”

Mo Salah: The Premier League’s Best?

One of the biggest talking points was yet another world-class display from Mohamed Salah. Marco didn’t hold back in his praise: “If you don’t answer this question as yes, then you’re just stupidly biased… Mo Salah is the best player in the world right now.”

The stats back it up. Salah has now recorded “40-plus goal involvements in two different Premier League seasons”—a feat never achieved before. Marco put it into perspective: “We are starting to discuss his stats in the same conversation as Lionel Messi. Just think about what that means.”

Photo: IMAGO

Gags also touched on Salah’s mentality: “He’s defending in the 80th minute, running back, covering, doing everything. This is a player who isn’t just about his goals—he wants to win the league.”

Momentum Shift in the Title Race

With Arsenal faltering, Liverpool have taken control. Marco captured the shift in mood: “This is not City chasing us anymore. You don’t have to be perfect to the end of the season. You can win four out of five, five out of six, and still win the league.”

The upcoming fixtures favour Liverpool, with three home games in a row and a chance to extend their lead. The belief is real, and as the travelling fans at the Etihad sang, “Now you’re going to believe us.”

The title race isn’t over, but as Marco summed it up: “This is Liverpool’s title to lose.”